Although
we lost fewer jobs than we did last month, our unemployment rate
climbed to over 10 percent -- a sobering number that underscores the
economic challenges that lie ahead.

When we first came into office our immediate goal was to stop the freefall
that caused our economy to shrink at an alarming rate. We have
succeeded in achieving that goal, as our economy grew last quarter for
the first time in a year. But history tells us that job growth always
lags behind economic growth, which is why we have to continue to pursue
measures that will create new jobs. And I can promise you that I won't
let up until the Americans who want to find work can find work and
until all Americans can earn enough to raise their families and keep
their businesses open.

While
his election should be celebrated, we cannot abandon our role of
holding whoever sits in that office accountable. Basically Blacks
remained silent, hoping that Obama would get around to us, and that's
not the way politics work.

People react to voices, and just as he
get nudges from women and gay groups and everybody else, he needs a
kick in the butt from the African American community, because our needs
must be addressed as well.

Indeed, Obama says he wants to be held accountable. The President needs to hear
from black leaders and organizations that purport to represent the
interests of African American families,
including “Cousin Pookie.”

It’s not about second-guessing.
Instead, it’s about speaking truth to power. And the truth is, the
stimulus package has not reduced black unemployment.